We've had some of the best times lately. Heidi's fiance', Raphael, came to meet John. We took the opportunity to have a party so as many family and friends as possible could meet our future son-in-law.
Bob Hirsch, our friend and photographer (who takes all the photo's for my books), took these photo's. Bob says our backyard is perfect for photo's and this photo of Raphael and Heidi is beautiful.
We had Jack, my sister's husband, read the Banns of Marriage. This is a tradition that goes way back to the 9th Century. Generally, after the engagement is announced the Banns are read during a church service 3 consecutive Sundays 3 to 4 months before the wedding date. Heidi and Raphael will be married in October, so July was exactly 3 months before the wedding. It really is a wonderful tradition. Too bad it isn't done much anymore.
I had to include this photo. That is me in between our neighbor Tom and his son, Kyle. Kyle is going into his Senior year in high school. I used to take care of him when he was a little guy. Yes, he was once shorter than me. What's sad, is I do have heels on and I was standing on a bump in our yard. Oh, well. Not all of us can be tall.
John and I are very happy for Heidi. Raphael is a delight. And, he's the IT guy at her school so he was able to upgrade my iPhone! We're excited to have someone who understands computers in our family. But, that isn't the only reason we like him. He's smart, funny, interesting and mostly loves our daughter. Raphael, we're so happy you will be a part of our family.
As mentioned in the Title of this post, I've been working on a new design. Now that my new book is in its final editing mode I have some time to work in the studio on ideas that have been floating around in my head.
I'm in love with the Japanese ball-joint dolls, but I can't afford one. I love the fashions they wear and the fact that you can change their clothes. So, I've come up with my own version, but made in all cloth. She's got ball joints which are wooden beads hidden under the cotton fabric in her knees, ankles, elbows, wrists and shoulders.
Her clothes can be changed, just like the porcelain ball-joint dolls, and she's got the large eye look of the Japanese dolls. But, she's uniquely mine.
She still needs her gloves and something to hold, so she's not quite finished. I'm in the process of writing the pattern and hope to have her ready for doll makers out there next week. My plan is to create various outfits for her, just like the Japanese dolls, only mine will be patterns and a lot less money. She also needs a name. I've been throwing around - Rebecca, Evangeline, Madeleine, Noel. When she's finished I'll know what her name should be. So, stay tuned.
Love the new doll! I have an idea for the name - how about Bella! Patti you look terrific - haven't seen you in awhile. Just read the 4th book in the twilight series - love the books too. Big hugs, take care, Victoria
Posted by: Victoria Davis | August 17, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Hi Patti,
Your ball joint doll is gorgeous, as all your dolls.
Love seeing the pics of you and family, you're a little shorty like me.........good things come in small packages.....
Cheers, Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Munzone | August 13, 2008 at 02:16 AM
Hi Patti
She's a lovely girl how about calling her Hitomi - Japanese name given to girls with beautiful eyes.
Peta
Posted by: Peta | August 13, 2008 at 02:09 AM
I definitely need this pattern, fantastic Im the same as Karen cant afford a bjd either.
Posted by: sharon-nz | August 13, 2008 at 01:50 AM
Love all the faimily photos. Hope the wedding plans are on schedule! My daughter got married last year at the end of June at our house. Tons of stuff to do plus making her dress!
I can relate to being short as the photo of you and your neighbors is about what me (5'1") and my husband (6'4") look like!
Love your new doll. I want to make one too as I can't afford the BJDs either. Will she be a
pattern? Class?
hugs Karen
Posted by: Karen Mallory | August 12, 2008 at 11:38 PM
I saw her on you pics with Esmerelda on the Dollstreet Travels site she's awesome. I too love the dolfie dolls or ball joint dolls but you're right they're way to expensive please let me know when this pattern's ready I definitely want to order it. By the way love the pic of you and the neighbors that's what look like against everybody, I'm not quite 5 foot.
Posted by: Liz Parent | August 12, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I love that photo of you in between your neighbor and his son. What a great shot! Of course when you were here in norCal I don't recall you being much shorter than any of the ladies at doll club. Therefore I'm guessing that you must live next door to giants!
Oooh, a ball-joint doll in cloth. Very cool. You'll have to design her one of those very Japanese anime style Nolita outfits. :-)
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | August 11, 2008 at 10:51 PM